Do your kids carry backpacks at the park?

[smithfamilyof7]

I'm interested to hear how everyone carries their "stuff" while in the parks. We went a couple years ago and had a large stroller so we stuffed all of our water bottles, snacks, autograph books, etc, along with the diaper bag in the basket. We stored the lunch food in a locker. It worked, but it was a huge pain because we'd have to pull everything out to find what we were looking for (family of 7 = lots of stuff!) Now that DS is a bit older, we're planning to bring an umbrella type stroller which will be nice for him but those obviously lack the large basket.

I'm thinking about getting each kid a small backpack (maybe the cinch style) to carry their own things in. I'm a little worried though about how well they'll handle carrying it around all day, or if they'll start complaining that it's heavy or uncomfortable. I will probably just use a crossbody purse and DH probably a backpack as well.

What do you do? (FYI, the kids will be 9, 10, 11, and 12 at the time of travel. Plus the little one who will be 3 - his things will go in the stroller.)

 

[SpacecadetNZ]

Good question. I haven't quite decided. Last time we were at the parks, we were at stroller and diaper-bag age too. My kids are now 6 and 8.

My kids are pretty used to carrying their own stuff. When we go to the zoo or other day outings like that, they usually have their own little backpacks (like this) with their own water bottle attached by a carabiner hook. (My kids drink so much water, it's ridiculous). They also carry a couple of snacks, a sun hat, and a hoodie (if the weather calls for it). I will probably do that at DLR too since it works ok for us most of the time. Teaches them to be responsible for their own belongings

The water bottles are the heaviest thing. You don't want one poor adult to be left carrying 7 of those. Could those fit in the bottom of the stroller if you decide not to make the kids carry their own?

If your kids aren't used to carrying their own backpacks on family outings, and if that is what you decide to do, I would suggest getting in some practice ahead of time. Start now with family outings - and see how it goes.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

We've yet to go on our first DL trip (soon!) but I can tell you how we handled this when our boys were younger at WDW. It started out a single big backpack with a little of everything for everyone that DH & I took turns carrying. This is when our boys were 7-9 yrs old. My oldest by nature isn't one to need or want much so he has always been good with using his pockets. My youngest has the most active of imaginations and likes to have things with him. By the time he was 8 or 9 he was asking to carry his own backpack. In fact, his chosen souvenir was a Kilimanjaro Safaris backpack. Again, he's so imaginative so he wanted to carry his own "gear" for his "adventures". Think survival kid stuff. LOL! Of course this included him needing bottled water for hydration and snacks for sustenance. He put all kinds of stuff in his pack. A few plastic dinosaurs, toy binoculars, coins, Disney pins, etc. We had to start checking his inventory before leaving the room because we spotted a plastic toy knife in the bottom of his bag once. Yeah, we were IN the park when we spotted it, too. Bag check either didn't see it or looked at my young adventurer and gave him a pass. Sometimes we'd find weird stuff like a random single sock. Or a rock. I kid you not, he would schlep around rocks! LOL!

So, yep, I had a backpack adventurer from about 8 or 9. He loved it. What's cool is it was a great opportunity to teach him to think of his needs for the day and pack accordingly. Passing on the planning gene! Yaaaaayyyy!!!!

Maybe have the kids pick out a backpack for themselves. Buy pins or patches to personalize them. Even if you buy plain ones then have them paint with fabric paint. I've always found I got best results when the boys wanted to do something vs me telling them to. To get my boys to want to do something I get best results by letting them be involved in some of the decisions.

Good luck!

 

[redwing]

I'm interested to hear how everyone carries their "stuff" while in the parks. We went a couple years ago and had a large stroller so we stuffed all of our water bottles, snacks, autograph books, etc, along with the diaper bag in the basket. We stored the lunch food in a locker. It worked, but it was a huge pain because we'd have to pull everything out to find what we were looking for (family of 7 = lots of stuff!) Now that DS is a bit older, we're planning to bring an umbrella type stroller which will be nice for him but those obviously lack the large basket. I'm thinking about getting each kid a small backpack (maybe the cinch style) to carry their own things in. I'm a little worried though about how well they'll handle carrying it around all day, or if they'll start complaining that it's heavy or uncomfortable. I will probably just use a crossbody purse and DH probably a backpack as well. What do you do? (FYI, the kids will be 9, 10, 11, and 12 at the time of travel. Plus the little one who will be 3 - his things will go in the stroller.)

So glad someone asked this question! It was going to be my next post

 

[Geemo]

In the past I've been the one to carry a massive backpack with everything for the day. I decided to change this on our last trip.

I went to the fabric store and bought Disney theme material. I made cinch bags for each of the grandkids (DGD-10 DGS-12) to carry their things. This was perfect! They didn't have any problem carrying them for the day.

I packed a snack and a partial bottle of water along with a few other things they'd need for the day. Since water can be heavy, I only filled the bottle half way. We were able to refill it when we needed to.

This is the way we will visit the parks on future trips.

Cinch bags are the way to go.

Geemo

 

[sweetpee_1993]

In the past I've been the one to carry a massive backpack with everything for the day. I decided to change this on our last trip. I went to the fabric store and bought Disney theme material. I made cinch bags for each of the grandkids (DGD-10 DGS-12) to carry their things. This was perfect! They didn't have any problem carrying them for the day. I packed a snack and a partial bottle of water along with a few other things they'd need for the day. Since water can be heavy, I only filled the bottle half way. We were able to refill it when we needed to. This is the way we will visit the parks on future trips. Cinch bags are the way to go. Geemo

Making the bags is great because its a gift you made!

My youngest (now 16) has a small collection of backpacks. Several different Disney ones. I asked him a few weeks back if he planned to carry a pack at DL later this month. His answer? Yes! And he's bringing that first sentimental Safaris pack. It's his favorite.

 

[94bruin]

I just tried this two weeks ago with my 8yo.

It worked great! She never once complained about having to wear a backpack. I think one thing was that I gave her ownership of snacks for her and her sister (age 5.)

She used a REI backpack that was already in her collection. The small pockets were great for small items (lip balm, autograph pen, trading pins, kleenex.) Imo, the straps are more comfortable than the drawstring straps on cinch bags. Lastly, her bag has two bottle holders.

The more she (and eventually younger Dd carry) the less I'll have to. My dream is to only carry my camera and ticket. (never will happen, though as I'm a heavy packer.)

 

[JadeDarkstar]

we will all have a fanny pack and then the back pack that my hubby will carry with out drinks, its a cooler backpack.

 

[Andray]

Jumping in as I wonder the same thing, And also I'd like to know what the rules are about back packs on rides? Are you allowed to bring them on with you? What about crossover or over the shoulder bags and fanny packs?

 

[crystal1313]

It's been years since I lugged a backpack, I'm down to a crossbody now. But when I did there was never any issue on the attractions. I would just put in between my feet on the rides. Sometimes I would put my leg through one of the straps. I think the tightest attraction is goofy's sky school as there isn't a ton of leg room, but it still worked fine. Some rides have a small bag to put smaller bags or glasses into. BTMR, Space, and Screamin I believe.

 

[SMD]

Jumping in as I wonder the same thing, And also I'd like to know what the rules are about back packs on rides? Are you allowed to bring them on with you? What about crossover or over the shoulder bags and fanny packs?

You can bring bags on rides, but if it's a huge bag that doesn't fit, there's nowhere to leave it while you ride. You will almost always have to take your bag off (except for some dark rides and FL stuff) to fit in the restraint system. I usually hold my backpack between my legs on coasters, it has always fit.

 

[4xMommy]

We have six kids, ranging from 12 to almost 2, so we've pretty much always had a stroller with us. The last couple trips the older kids have had waist packs, but we still had the little one in a stroller. We have stroller saddle bags (Carry You brand, but I don't think they make them anymore) that Velcro onto each side of the stroller. They have two water bottle pockets each, and large a Velcro pocket in the middle. Snacks, diapers, extra clothes, etc., go in the big pocket. Four kids put their water bottles in the outside bottle pockets. The biggest boys have to fish theirs out from the little basket under the stroller. It works well for us.

 

[sgrap]

When my girls were younger, they each had a fanny pack that would fit a couple small snacks, hand sanitizer, sunglasses, etc. Last trip when they were 11 and 10, they each carried a light weight back pack. Worked great because they could get a snack without having to stop and get into the bigger backpack DH carries.

 

[kitayama]

My 15 year old still asks us to carry her stuff for her... I am trying to break this habit that my wife started before I married her (my 15-year-old is my step daughter).
Get them used to carrying their own stuff as early as possible so you don't find yourself in the position I am in now. I have discovered that 2 and 3 is still too young though.

 

[GrtWtNorth]

If kiddo carried her own backpack, she would have it full of stuffies and toys, books, and no practical stuff. So I insist on carrying the main pack with water, hats, sunscreen, and healthy snacks. She gets to carry the sugary junk snacks - she can fill her little draw-string pouch with 4-5 Halloween candies.

She will carry her own bag one day, but only when she learns how to pack it right. (My five-year-old isn't wise enough for that yet.)

 

[grnflash]

Our son just turned 6 and he knows that if he wants to bring any "extras" he'll have to carry it. So he doesn't bring any extras LOL. We travel light though - I carry a small backpack with 2 long sleeve shirts and line snacks with room to spare. Zippered front pocket holds small supplies (band aids, chapstick, travel sunscreen, napkins), phone & charger, money & passes, water bottle in mesh side pocket.

 

[nikkislaght]

My son uses a fanny pack and this year he used one of the very light weight drawstring back packs, which of course lasted 2 days.( seeing it came from the Dollar tree, I'm surprised it lasted that long). So ended up buying a new from from the parks..
Inside was his snacks, water bottle , sweater, etc... All stuff that I didn't have to carry..

 

[nannyz]

I think that if I had kids wearing backpacks, I would spend most of my time watching to make sure they still had it.

 

[mamapenguin]

You can bring bags on rides, but if it's a huge bag that doesn't fit, there's nowhere to leave it while you ride. You will almost always have to take your bag off (except for some dark rides and FL stuff) to fit in the restraint system. I usually hold my backpack between my legs on coasters, it has always fit.

What are the bag restrictions for California Screamin?

 

[94bruin]

What are the bag restrictions for California Screamin?

Both DD and I placed our bags between our feet, like all the other roller coasters. AFAIK, no bag restrictions.